Reborn As Noble

Chapter 163 Wine and Whimsy ( 163 )

Francesca sat at her table, sipping her tea with an elegance that commanded admiration. Her warm smile remained steady, unfazed by the mention of Duke Nyxara. After all, the girl they were discussing was not just anyone—she was Francescaʼs best friend long before she married Garius.

She remembered those days vividly. The bond she shared with Nyxara was unshakable, built on years of trust and mutual understanding. She also recalled the promise Garius had made—how he agreed to marry Nyxara after marrying Francesca. At the time, it had seemed reasonable. Nyxara was smitten with Garius, and Francesca had no objections; she had supported the idea wholeheartedly.

And yet… Francescaʼs smile wavered slightly as she glanced at her husband. She didnʼt understand why he seemed reluctant to follow through with that promise. Was it stubbornness? Or perhaps something deeper he wasnʼt sharing?

She wouldnʼt press him, of course. Garius was a man of his own convictions, and she respected that. But it puzzled her. Nyxara was a formidable woman—passionate, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. She would have made a fine addition to their household, Francesca was certain.

Francescaʼs gaze shifted back to Garius, who was now rubbing his temples while enduring more of Jintoxʼs teasing. Her smile returned, this time with a faint hint of amusement. Poor Garius, she thought. Heʼs always been terrible at dealing with persistent women.

Perhaps sheʼd speak with him about it later—gently, of course. For now, she would let him handle the situation in his own way. After all, even the most capable men needed a bit of time to sort out their hearts.

Letting out a quiet sigh, she set her teacup down and leaned slightly toward her personal maid, who stood at her side. ”Erisa,” she said softly, ”make sure to prepare the guest chambers for our visitors tonight. I have a feeling Marquis Jintoxʼs party will need a place to rest after their long journey.”

”Of course, my lady,” Erisa replied with a polite bow, immediately leaving to carry out her orders.

Hearing this, Jintoxʼs sharp ears perked up. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he turned toward Francesca. ”Ah, no need for that, Lady Francesca. I cannot stay long. But thank you for the thought.”

Before Francesca could respond, Garius raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with mild annoyance. ”Really, Jintox? Weʼre not strangers anymore. Surely you can stay for a proper meal and rest.”

Jintox scratched the back of his head awkwardly, his grin faltering for a moment. ”Err… You do know how my wife is…”

Garius let out a knowing sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. ”Ah, yes. Lady Cordelia. How could I forget? Her presence are enough to make even the bravest of men tremble.”

”Exactly!” Jintox exclaimed, throwing his hands up in mock despair. ”If Iʼm late returning home, Iʼll never hear the end of it. You have no idea how much she interrogates me whenever I visit. ʼWhy were you so late? Who were you meeting?ʼ Honestly, I sometimes think sheʼs part of the demon intelligence network herself.”

The room chuckled softly at his exaggeration, Francesca included. Her warm smile remained as she responded, ”Youʼre lucky to have someone so devoted to you, Marquis Jintox. But I understand. Please, at least let us send some provisions with you for the journey back.”

Jintoxʼs grin returned, and he bowed slightly in gratitude. ”Youʼre as gracious as ever, Lady Francesca. Thank you. But Iʼll only accept if Garius stops pestering me about staying.”

Garius crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair with a mock look of defeat. ”Fine. But donʼt blame me if Cordelia sends you back here to apologize for cutting your visit short.”

Jintox let out a hearty laugh. ”If that happens, Iʼll have to bring her along next time. Maybe then sheʼll be the one pestering you.”

The banter lightened the atmosphere, with Francescaʼs melodic laughter blending seamlessly into the warmth of the room. Even Jintoxʼs stern escorts relaxed slightly, though they remained alert and observant.

Jintox took the signed document in his hands, giving it one last glance before tucking it into a protective case. ”So, thank you, Garius. With this document, weʼve officially extended the peace treaty for another five years.”

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Garius nodded, leaning back slightly in his chair, his expression calm yet thoughtful. ”Yeah, Jintox. I hope we can extend it for much longer, but rules are rules. Five years at a time is all the council will agree to.”

Jintox let out a soft sigh, concern etched on his face. ”True enough. Letʼs hope the peace holds. But Garius… letʼs also hope your king keeps to the agreement. If he doesnʼt…” He hesitated, his crimson eyes glinting with unease. ”Iʼm sorry, Garius, but if war between humans and demons starts again…”

Garius held up a hand, his tone steady and reassuring. ”No need to apologize, Jintox. I understand the stakes. If that day ever comes, letʼs hope for…” He paused, choosing his words carefully. ”…clarity and wisdom on both sides.”

Jintox nodded slowly, his expression softening slightly. ”Agreed. But still, be wary, Garius. You know how your nobles are. Some wouldnʼt hesitate to stir trouble if it serves their interests.”

Garius let out a wry chuckle, rubbing his temple as though the thought gave him a headache. ”Believe me, I know. I canʼt promise Iʼll handle them all, but Iʼll do my best to keep things in check.”

Jintoxʼs serious demeanor cracked slightly as a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. ”Thatʼs all I can ask, old friend. Iʼll do my part on my side too. For now, weʼll keep the peace and hope it lasts.”

Both men stood, their gazes meeting in a moment of mutual respect and understanding. Despite the differences in their worlds, they shared the same burden: to protect the fragile balance between humans and demons.

With a firm handshake, Jintox said, ”Until next time, Garius. Letʼs hope we meet again under peaceful skies.”

Garius nodded, his voice calm yet firm. ”Until next time, Jintox. Safe travels.”

As Jintox made his way toward the exit with his escort, he suddenly stopped in his tracks. Turning back to Garius, a mischievous grin spread across his face.

”Oh, by the way, Garius…” Jintox began, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. ”Can I take some wine from you? Ehehe... My wife loves that red wine of yours. And, well… itʼll also be proof that I came straight here without, you know, wandering off anywhere.”

Garius couldnʼt hold back his laughter, the sound echoing warmly through the grand hall. ”You really are something, Jintox. Always finding a way to charm your way out of trouble.”

Before Garius could say another word, Alf, ever the efficient butler, appeared at his side. In his hands, he carried a neatly arranged basket filled with an assortment of wines—the finest vintages the Armand household had to offer.

”Already prepared, my lord,” Alf said, presenting the basket with his usual calm demeanor. ”I anticipated Marquis Jintoxʼs request.”

Jintoxʼs eyes lit up as he took the basket, inspecting its contents with an approving nod. ”Hah! You know me too well, Alf. This will save my hide. My wifeʼs temper can be… letʼs say, ʼfiery,ʼ if I come back empty-handed.”

Garius smirked, crossing his arms. ”Consider it my contribution to your domestic peace. Just donʼt drink it all before you get home.”

Jintox laughed heartily, patting the basket. ”No promises, Garius. No promises.”

With a final wave, he turned and left the hall, his escort following close behind. The faint sound of his laughter lingered in the air as he departed.

Garius watched him go, shaking his head with a small smile. ”That demon might be a marquis, but heʼs still the same old Jintox.”

Alf adjusted his gloves, his tone matter-of-fact. ”Indeed, my lord. But his requests do make our dealings a bit more… entertaining.”

Garius chuckled, turning back toward his seat. ”Entertaining is one way to put it.”

( End of Chapter )